In this week’s edition:

• Cardinal McCarrick’s sexual assault case suspended for life

• Religious leaders express concerns over Trump administrations handling of illegal immigrants

• 15 clemency petitions granted by NC governor, 121 still face death sentences.

• and more!

McCarrick Trial Paused Indefinitely Due to Incompetency

Summary: A Wisconsin court has ruled former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick mentally unfit for trial, suspending proceedings indefinitely.

Details:

• A judge determined that McCarrick, 94, is unable to stand trial due to cognitive decline.

• Wisconsin law prohibits dismissal of charges against living defendants deemed incompetent.

• The decision follows the dismissal of similar charges in Massachusetts last year.

• The Wisconsin case involves allegations of sexual assault dating back to 1977.

Why we care: The allegations against Cardinal McCarrick stand out as one of the more notable cases in the early 00s to 10s. We can vaguely remember hearing about the allegations, the apparent lack of response by the Church and the subsequent malcontent. The cardinal’s eventual defrocking - better late than never - seemed to mirror a shift that we’ve noticed in recent cases - the Church taking a more hardline stance in meting out punishment for sexual crimes. Is there room for improvement? Of course, but the response seems miles above what it was a quarter century ago. While he has been punished canonically, we imagine it must be difficult for the victim to know that there will never be civil justice for the alleged crimes. Let us continue to pray for these and all abuse victims, for their abusers, and for justice.

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Arizona Faith Leaders Oppose Potential Immigration Raids on Churches

Summary: The leaders, including Catholic bishops, have expressed opposition to proposed immigration enforcement actions targeting places of worship and other sensitive locations.

Details:

• Faith leaders expressed concerns over possible policy changes that could allow immigration raids at places like churches, schools, and hospitals.

• Catholic Bishops Edward J. Weisenburger of Tucson and John P. Dolan of Phoenix, along with other leaders, issued a public statement opposing such actions.

• They warned that immigration enforcement in these locations could interfere with religious practices and fundamental rights.

• The leaders called for immigration enforcement that respects human dignity and constitutional rights.

Why we care: We certainly agree with the aspect of respecting dignity and constitutional rights, but it should be noted that illegal immigrants are not protected under the Constitution. Our gut says that allowing raids on Churches could potentially be opening up a can of worms, and there’s something unpleasant about the notion of ICE or any law-enforcement agency bursting through the doors in the middle of Mass. That said, if a wanted murderer was taking refuge in a church, would you want the police to apprehend him as soon as possible (even if during Mass) or wait and risk him escaping? What if it was an elementary school? As with most things, it seems the correct approach is somewhere in the middle - not treating these locations as off-limits nor throwing caution to the wind. We think it possible to both treat these individuals and locations with dignity while also respecting our nation’s laws and interest.

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North Carolina Governor Reduces 15 Death Sentences to Life Imprisonment

Summary: Governor Roy Cooper has commuted the death sentences of 15 inmates in North Carolina, changing their sentences to life without parole.

Details:

• The commutations followed a review of clemency petitions and involved consultation with stakeholders, including victims’ families and prosecutors.

• North Carolina now has 121 individuals remaining on death row.

• No executions have taken place in North Carolina since 2006 due to ongoing legal and procedural challenges.

Why we care: The death penalty is a hot pro-life topic among Catholics, especially after Pope Francis’ change to the Catechism which states ‘the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.’ Does this mean the death penalty is evil in and of itself? Not necessarily, according to Mr. Jimmy Akin. Nonetheless, the death penalty has become somewhat obsolete “given that modern society possesses more efficient detention systems….” While certainly still a hot-button issue, we’d love to see states do away with the death penalty where possible, relying on it only as a last resort rather than the default. If we are to be a truly pro-life society this seems the next logical step.

Other Stories

• At home…

  • 28% of Congress is Catholic, a portion of the 85% that is Christian.

  • HUD report shows that homelessness is up 18%, at its highest since 2007.

  • Former priest serving a life sentence for sexual crimes dies in prison.

• …and abroad…

  • Belarusian priest convicted of treason as persecution of Christians, political opponents continues.

  • Cardinal James Harvey of Milwaukee opens the final Jubilee door at his See of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

• …and on the pro-life front…

  • Kansas sees abortions rise 13% as it becomes an abortion destination after adding “right to abortion” to state constitution.

  • Assisted suicide rate shows no sign of slowing in Colorado.

  • Biden recognizes abortion, gay marriage activists in Presidential Citizens Medal ceremony.

• In memoriam

  • Bishop Andreas Laun of Salzburg, trailblazer in Catholic German TV, dies at the age of 81.

  • Cardinal Amato, a former prefect who oversaw the canonization of many saints, died Dec 31. He was 86.

  • Sister Veronica Higgins, a Carmelite in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, died in a automobile accident at the age of 74.

  • Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo was shot and killed in Nigeria at the age of 40.

  • Agenzia Fides reported that 13 missionaries and pastoral workers were killed in their work in 2024.

Quote of the Week

What’s going on:

• Looking to bless your home this Epiphany? Here’s how to do it.

• Jan 12 is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

• The Holy Father’s intention for January is for the right to an education.

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